Hello:

I'm new to the forum and justleased an H3..notAlpha or X.I was wondering if any of you have had issues with rusty parts on the underside of the vehicle. I've already taken it back to the dealer within 2 days of driving because of the front-clank that is so popular here, a misaligned steering wheel, rattling of the seats, and some issue with the rear tires where they just ended up replacing them both.

It's been about a month, and since I'm still not thrilled with the alignment of the steering wheel, and felt as though the car tilts to one side, I looked under the car and noticed in particular, rusty bolts on both sides of the front axel, and a completely rusted rod that spans almost the entire length of the car. Forgive my ignorance, I don't know the proper term for that piece.

Either way, any input would be appreciated. I love the car but I am getting worried that I got a bad apple, and very fearful of what else has yet to surface.

Thanks for the read.

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In my opinion, with all of the problems or defects you need to document them through the Dealer and look into your states Lemon Laws. Also do you have a H3x, H3 Alpha or H3? Some pictures might help for getting advice. As far as the rust, there are undercarriage parts do get some rust but without any pictures it hard to give agood opinion. The Bar you are talking about is a Torsion Bar, it is part of the suspension. If you still feel the vehicle is not right take it back to the dealerand tell them its under warranty and fix it. Oh and Welcome aboard.

 

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The big bar running front to back is the driveshaft. It is going to rust unless you get under there and paint it. It is raw steel, it rusts. Don't worry about it. The other places are machined surfaces on the control arms. Those are areas that have been flatened for the nuts and bolts to have a place to set flat. I would not worry about those either. If it bothers you and you want, paint them.

 

What about the bolts? If I saw that amount of rust on a new vehicle, I would be alarmed as well.

 

Make the dealer make you happy. If this one won"y try another. I don't think you have a problem with the rust even though it is unusual for there to be that much rust that soon. You haven't been doing any driving on a beach have you? My 97 H1 doesn't have that much rust underneath and I know it has been dunked a few times.

 

I'm not exactly sure why GM doesn't paint those parts either. It may be a balancing issue with the drive shaft but the cast steering knuckles and other cast iron parts should have some kind of protectant on them. I soaked them all down with WD-40 myself, not that a cast iron part would rust through in the next 20 years but it's all for looks. It's the little touches GM.....hint hint

 

That is pretty excessive. I was under mine cleaning it today and noticed I had alot of flash rust as well. Both driveshafts are and a few bolts but not the steering knuckles and bolts that you show. I don't think it's anything to worry about though. Go get it all coated w/ mud and you'll forget about it!

 

The H3 has more painted parts on the underside than probably 90% of the vehicles on the road.

My only concern with the rust would be if it was leaving stains on the garage floor.

 

It's the usual GM Rust!!!!![:@]

Rattle Can to FIX IT!!!!